COCKEYSVILLE, Md. — Decked in Fourth of July garb, Dr. Alexander Dix is the clinical director for KIP Dispensary off York Road in Cockeysville.

“So, this has been a very busy week for us. I think people preparing for the holiday, and realizing we were open on the holiday while a lot of dispensaries were not,” Dr. Dix said.

An operation of about 30 people split between the front and back of the house.

One year ago this July, they began selling adult-use cannabis.

“It’s been amazing. It’s been really great in a lot of different ways. It kind of put pressure on our team to step up and perform and it’s really wonderful to actually see that happen. It’s also been awesome to see so many smiling faces come through the door,” said Dr. Dix.

Green makes a lot of green, and now er have the numbers to prove it.

In the year since cannabis became legal for Marylanders 21 and up: $700 million in adult-use cannabis sales, medical, about $400 million.

Dix sees it continuing here.

“I do expect sales to continue in that upward trajectory. One of the things we did see change recently since a year ago is recreational users can now purchase concentrates – one gram containers. So, that’s one thing that we see change,” Dr. Dix added.

According to the state, Here’s how the tax revenue is broken down:

Half to the state’s general fund, 35% to the state’s community reinvestment and repair fund, benefiting low-income communities hurt by cannabis prohibition.

Focused on the plant’s medical properties – Dix is teaching pharmacy students.

“I have been working with Notre Dame of Maryland University, taking some of their 4th-year pharmacy students for the past year now. And it’s been really awesome to try to bring the cannabis education into the medical education and to really see the enthusiasm and interest in these up and coming professionals,” Dr. Dix said.

As the profit grows, Dix hopes interest in cannabis itself grows too.

BALTIMORE — Prepare for another scorcher Saturday with highs soaring into the upper 90s. The heat index reaches 100° to 106°.

Our WJZ First Alert Weather Team continues our ALERT DAY for dangerous heat through Saturday evening. Some areas across Maryland felt as hot as 111° Friday afternoon with excessive heat warnings in place for southern Maryland and heat advisories in and around the Baltimore metro area. High temperatures Friday afternoon soared into the upper 90s. 

Tonight’s low temperatures will only dip into the lower 80s. 

This type of heat is dangerous for everyone if heat precautions aren’t taken. Please make sure to stay well hydrated, take long breaks in air conditioning, wear loose, light weight and colored clothing, and make sure your neighbors, the elderly, and your pets are safe in the heat. We all have to get through this together, so, kindness goes a long way.

Isolated thunderstorms are possible late this evening into the early overnight hours. These storms will not be widespread, so most places will see no relief from the heat. Saturday will be another tough day of heat and humidity with highs in the upper 90s and the heat index in the 100s. Isolated strong storms will be possible east of I-95, especially during the afternoon & evening. Any storm could have damaging winds and heavy downpours. Right now, storm coverage is expected to stay fairly isolated. 

Sunday stays very hot with highs climbing into the middle 90s, but humidity levels drop providing some relief from the extreme and dangerous conditions. Feels like temperatures still will top out in the upper 90s under plenty of sunshine. Sunday’s weather stays dry the entire day. 

Monday the humidity quickly climbs higher. The humidity combined with high temperatures well into the 90s means we will endure feels like temperatures in the low 100s. Other than a stray shower or thunderstorm, Monday looks dry.

Tuesday features tropical humidity and heat with highs in the lower 90s, but feels like temperatures soar to at least 100°, if not higher. Scattered thunderstorms will form on Tuesday afternoon and evening, cooling some lucky neighborhoods off that receive them. Scattered thunderstorms will be around Wednesday through Friday of next week, which will help keep high temperatures in the upper 80s to near 90. However with all of the tropical humidity, the heat index still will top out in the mid to upper 90s. 

Most of Maryland is experiencing a rapidly worsening drought, so the storms mid to late next week are welcome and much needed.

Have a safe week and please stay cool!